'Game of Thrones' book author George R.R. Martin's 'Wild Card' series gets TV adaptation

Epic fantasy writer and "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin is embarking on another huge TV series based on his fictional work launched two decades ago. Working with NBC's Universal Cable Productions, the "Wild Cards" anthology series is a vast shared universe made possible by the diverse contributions of writers like Saladin Ahmed, Cherie Priest and Roger Zelazny, including Martin's works.

"I hope you're as excited as I am. Of course, Hollywood is Hollywood, and nothing is ever certain in development... but I think I hope I cross my fingers that the 'Wild Cards' will be coming to your home screens in the next year or two," wrote Martin on his blog.

The prolific epic fantasy writer has been editing the "Wild Card" series since its release in 1986. The series is still a work in progress with 22 volumes to date. A new volume is reportedly slated for launch in August.

In his blog, Martin also shared a brief synopsis for the "Wild Cards" universe. He said that it all came about on Sept. 15, 1946 when "an alien virus" fell over Manhattan and infected the rest of humanity afterward. About 90 percent of those infected died, nine per cent turned into jokers and the remaining one per cent became aces with "extraordinary powers".

However, the best-selling writer won't be on board in the development of the TV series as he still needs to fulfill his contract obligations with HBO while the "Game of Thrones" is in the works, as reported by Reuters.

The epic fantasy series is a huge success following its release in 2011. Martin's assistant editor, Melinda Snodgrass, will reportedly take part in the "Wild Card" TV adaptation in his stead.

Meanwhile, Snodgrass is a known veteran with credible experience in TV writing and production and has worked with Martin for a long time. Her TV producing credits include "Reasonable Doubts," "Star Command," "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "The Profiler."